6 FAQs about a Pharmacy Technician Career

What you need to know about a job in the pharm tech industry

Do you value a profession that combines logic and service-oriented qualities? A career in healthcare may be an intriguing profession for you to pursue. One crucial job in the healthcare industry is that of a pharmacy technician. Becoming a pharmacy technician may be an enjoyable career path if you like using both critical and social skills.

Before deciding on a pharmacy technician training program, you should research some basic facts about the pharm tech career path. Below are the answers to six questions potential students have about this field.

Q #1: What do pharmacy technicians do?

A: Pharmacy technicians are the healthcare professionals who help pharmacists dispense medications to customers each day. They collect and record patient information, prepare packages and labels, and measure medication amounts for prescriptions. Part of their role is to organize inventory and supplies and alert pharmacists if there is a shortage of any supplies or medications. They help process payments for prescriptions at a cash register and enter data and medication information into electronic database systems. Throughout the day they will also answer customer phone calls and help them speak with pharmacists if they have questions about their medications or health concerns. In many states, pharm techs are allowed to mix and compound medications and call physicians to authorize refills.

Q #2: Where do pharmacy technicians work?

A: Pharmacy technicians work under the supervision of pharmacists in a variety of pharmaceutical environments. They may work in private pharmacies, retail drug stores, hospitals, other general merchandise stores, and pharmacies located in malls, grocery stores, or department stores. A popular type of retail pharmacy, for example, is CVS or Walgreens.

Q #3: What are the typical working hours for pharmacy technicians?

A: As a pharmacy technician, you can expect to work full-time. Many pharmacies are open around the clock. Sometimes it may be required that you work night shifts, weekends, and even holidays. Hours may vary depending on the pharmacy where you work.

Q #4: How much money should I expect to earn as a pharmacy technician?

A: The annual salary and hourly wages for a pharmacy technician may vary depending on factors like geographic location, experience, and employer. The US Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook shows the median wage for pharm techs, which means half of pharm techs across the country made more than this amount and half made less. If you’d like a better estimate of what you’ll make in a pharm tech position, search job listings in your local area to see if a wage is posted.

Q #5: What is the job outlook like for the pharmacy technician career path?

A: The employment rate for pharmacy technicians is expected to increase by 9 percent from 2014-2024, according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook. The handbook predicts an increased demand for prescription medications due to the aging baby boomer population and the higher rate of chronic diseases like diabetes among all age groups.

Q #6: Is being a pharmacy technician a fulfilling career option?

A: Many people enjoy becoming pharmacy technicians because it gives them the opportunity to interact with people, help those in need, and learn about medications and how they affect the human body. This career path can immerse you in the healthcare industry. You may get a sense of satisfaction knowing you’re undertaking a career that focuses on helping others in your community. Plus, you can take advantage of learning something about the healthcare field every day from your supervising pharmacist.

Becoming a pharmacy technician may be the right step for you. We hope this Q-and-A helps provide you with the tools to make the right decision about entering pharmacy technician school!

__The Harris School of Business features a pharmacy technician training program at our campus in Linwood, New Jersey. For more information about our career training programs, send us a message today! We’ll be happy to provide you with assistance for deciding your next step!